This thesis looks closely at the woodwork of ancient Egypt, providing context and a chronology for the development of craft techniques from the late Predynastic to the end of the New Kingdom. The primary result has been the compilation of technique timelines, contributing to a better understanding of craft development, and bolstered by an in-depth literature review on key influencing factors. Following this, continuity and change in technique use is further explored by comparing evidence from Early Dynastic to Middle Kingdom boat burials. This research has provided the basis for a discussion on Egyptian woodworking, in which the fundamental characteristics of the craft are identified and the extent and nature of change over time investigated. Overall, a rapid, early development of a wide range of skills has been observed, with continual refinement of technique seen over the course of the study period. The work also highlights how craft development and resource availability are closely interrelated. Finally, it is shown how an understanding of craft and cultural context is essential to best conservation practice, whilst the importance of asking pertinent questions of past and current treatment approaches and goals is demonstrated through a review of historic practices.
PLEASE NOTE: You must be a member of the University of Lincoln to be able to view this dissertation. Please log in here.